adidas unveils iconic jerseys for 2016

‘Born of this land’ – adidas unveils iconic jerseys for 2016 Investec Super Rugby season

Monday, December 7, 2015: adidas has today unveiled the 2016 home jerseys for the Investec Super Rugby season – all five incorporate powerful symbols of the regions which play host to the mana and pride of each club.

Designed in conjunction with Māori All Blacks Kaumātua Luke Crawford and renowned local artist Dave Burke, the new home and alternative jerseys celebrate the landscape, culture and heritage that shape each team.

In the case of the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes, adidas, Crawford and Burke created designs that are culturally and spiritually significant, while the Crusaders and Highlanders acknowledge the influence of our early settlers – echoing the battle-hardened heroes of ancient legend.

Quentin Bleakley, adidas New Zealand Country Manager says, “These jerseys continue to build on our commitment to developing unique ways for players and fans to celebrate their team. The Highlanders showed us the ferocity and determination required in this modern day game to take out the final last year from the valiant Hurricanes – so, this year, we pay even greater homage to the power of the Celtics with a bold reference to a Highland tartan.

With a large multicultural population in Auckland, the Blues jersey displays key locations of the region with tapa and tatau patterns that aim to proudly showcase the cultural diversity and Polynesian influence of the region. The mighty Chiefs have incorporated their rich Māori heritage into the jersey design, elements in the design represent the history of the region, the provinces that make up the Team and the power of the chiefs Spirit in battle, while the Hurricanes jersey shows a visual reference to the power of the four winds (Ngā Hau e Whā) that collide together and unite the region (Te Hau Awhio) as one. Finally, much like their gameplay that has seen them win seven Super Rugby titles, the Crusaders jersey is an evolution of their medieval theme with a watermark of a knight on horseback in a striking chevron pattern.”

“As always the players and clubs are hugely enthusiastic when they receive their home and away kits which is a good sign for us, as we know that it’s their signature of approval. They appreciate the way their fans show support for their favourite team,” says Bleakley.

The new range of Home jerseys will be available from December 7th, while the Alternate jerseys, shorts and other merchandise will be available in February 2016. The jerseys retail for $110 for the youth version and $150 for the men’s, and will be stocked at adidas stores and major sporting goods retailers, rugby retailers worldwide and online at www.adidas.com.

ENDS

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